The Angeles Chapter of the Sierra Club has been a force for environmental protection, education, and advocacy for generations — and at the heart of that work are the dedicated volunteers who step up to lead.
From October 1 through November 13, 2026, Angeles Chapter members will have the opportunity to shape that leadership by voting in elections for the Chapter Executive Committee and the Executive Committees of our 13 Regional Groups. This is your chance to help choose the people who will guide our chapter through one of the most consequential environmental moments in history.
The stakes have never been higher. The Sierra Club's enduring mission — to explore, enjoy, and protect the planet — calls us now with a particular urgency. We are committed to promoting the responsible stewardship of the earth's ecosystems, building broad public support for environmental protection and restoration, and pursuing every legal avenue available to us, from grassroots organizing to bold political engagement.
None of that happens without strong, passionate leadership. Our leaders plan outings, organize campaigns, engage policymakers, and inspire members to keep showing up — year after year — for the places and communities they love. They will tell you that this work is not a burden. It is a calling, and often a joy.
We asked some of those leaders to share what drives them. Here, in their own words, is what they had to say:
From Susanne Cumming, Ballona Coastal Group ExCom Chair:
“Serving as Chair of Ballona Coastal Group is an opportunity to meet new friends and become involved with other environmental-minded people in my local area. We plan, advocate, and let our voices be heard. We have a good time together while making a difference in our world.”
From Sandra Cattell, Santa Clarita Valley Group ExCom Chair (and more):
“I love my work with the Sierra Club. I chair the Santa Clarita Group, and am involved in the political and conservation work of my group, and I am also a hike leader. This allows me to follow what I see as the Sierra Club model: 1) Take people out to enjoy the beautiful places around us, 2) See what we value and want to conserve and how to protect communities, and 3) Help elect people to protect those spaces and promote good legislation. I also serve as the representative of my group to the Chapter Executive Committee, helping to make the decisions that guide our Chapter. Additionally, I get to do all sorts of fun things, like speak directly with our elected government representatives, table at events, and join with other members at various activities that truly enrich my life.”
From Jonathan Valles, Santa Clarita Valley Group ExCom Member (elected 2025):
“Hello! My name is Jonathan Valles, and I’m a student at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) who is proud to be an active member of the Sierra Club’s Angeles Chapter. I have been a contributing member of the Angeles Chapter’s Santa Clarita Valley Group since the Spring of 2025 and serve on the Executive, Conservation, and Political Committees, in addition to the Social Media team. Through my involvement, I participate in group discussions, help support local environmental priorities, and engage with community members through efforts such as tabling at local events. My experience with the Sierra Club has shown me the importance of local action in advancing conservation and environmental advocacy. I encourage others who care about their community and the environment to get involved with their local Sierra Club group or chapter, because everyone deserves clean air, clean water, and access to protected open spaces.”
From Elizabeth Neat, Palos Verdes/South Bay Group and AC Fundraising Committee:
“Watching a child get excited to see squirrels chasing through the trees at Temescal Canyon is a sheer delight for me—just the memory gives me goosebumps. Being there when teenagers get to sleep in a tent in the forest for the first time helps me relive that wonder again and again. I know all Sierra Club volunteers have dozens of stories to tell about our involvement. These and many of my memories are connected with my engagement with ICO, Inspiring Connections Outdoors. Our group takes young people from underserved communities hiking and camping. I like to think that those who have had the chance to explore and enjoy nature on ICO outings will grow up to protect the environment.
“ICO got me in the door, and hope, enthusiasm and optimism keep me here. The Angeles Chapter has a wonderful group of volunteers working on conservation, environmental justice, political advocacy, and more, in service of protecting our natural environment. Recently I was admonished by a member of the Tongva people to recognize the Earth as a relative, rather than a resource. I love that image. I want to care for the Earth with the same passion and commitment as I care for my sons and grandchildren. To that end, the past decade, I have broadened my commitment to the Angeles Chapter, in part through serving on the fundraising committee in order to insure the financial health of our Club. I am pleased to say that there are many members who agree with me as shown by our robust group of donors.”
From John Monsen, Angeles Chapter Executive Committee, Chapter Forest Committee (and more):
“I started my environmental journey hiking, backpacking, and peak-bagging, and many of which were Sierra Club hikes. For the last two decades I have devoted my life to better protecting the places I had been -- including the mighty San Gabriel Mountains -- and the species in them. My passion for protecting our forests and public lands and promoting equitable access to nature for everyone and transit to trails has resulted in over twenty successful conservation and equity campaigns.”
Interested in Joining Our Leadership Team?
If you share our passion for environmental protection and are interested in running for a leadership position on the Angeles Chapter Executive Committee, please contact Donna Specht, Chapter Nominating Committee Chair at donnaspecht@juno.com. If you would like to be considered for leadership with your Regional Group, please contact your Group’s chair to discuss the process.